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SUIXI, CHINA – DECEMBER 30: An employee works on the production line of aluminum foil at a workshop of Anhui Limu New Material Technology Co., Ltd on December 30, 2023 in Suixi County, Huaibei City, Anhui Province of China. (Photo by Li Xin/VCG via Getty Images)

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Global commodity markets are in a “super squeeze” amid supply disruptions and lack of investment — and it’s only going to get worse as geopolitical and climate risks exacerbate the situation, HSBC said.

“For some time now we have described global commodity markets as being in a ‘super-squeeze,'” its chief economist Paul Bloxham told CNBC.

A commodity “super squeeze” is denoted by higher prices driven by supply constraints more than a robust growth in demand, he explained.

“If it’s a supply constraint that’s driving high commodity prices, it’s a very different story for global growth,” said via Zoom. Higher prices as a result of a super squeeze are “not as positive.”

“We see the deeper ‘super-squeeze’ factors on the supply-side as still set to play a key role in keeping commodity prices elevated,” he said, outlining factors like political uncertainties, climate change and the lack of investments into the green energy transition.

The super squeeze could be deeper, or more prolonged if geopolitical, climate change or energy transition related supply disruptions are larger than expected.

Paul Bloxham

HSBC chief economist

Geopolitical risks include the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and the Ukraine war, which have hampered global trade, as seen in shipping disruptions from the recent Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

Another reason is climate change, which disrupts supply chains as well as commodities supply, especially in the agricultural space.

“The super squeeze could be deeper, or more prolonged if geopolitical, climate change or energy transition related supply disruptions are larger than expected,” he added.

Lack of investments

The world’s pursuit of a net-zero carbon future is fueling demand for energy transition metals such as copper and nickel, Bloxham pointed out.

However, there are insufficient investments allocated to procuring these critical minerals, leading to a sharper supply squeeze on energy transition metals — in particular copper, aluminum and nickel, he said.

As energy transition ramps up, markets could be looking at a shortage of a slew of metals like graphite, cobalt, copper, nickel and lithium in the next decade, the Energy Transitions Commission said in a report in July.

Global commodity markets are in a 'super-squeeze': HSBC

At the recent COP28 climate change conference, more than 60 countries backed a plan to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, in what is largely deemed as a step forward for energy transition and a further boost in demand for metals required for that transition. 

“Large-scale mining projects can take 15-20 years, and the last decade has seen a lack of investment in exploration and production for key energy transition materials,” the report said.

Annual capital investments in these metals averaged $45 billion in the last two decades, and must rise to around $70 billion each year through to 2030 to ensure an ample stream of supply, according to the ETC report.

Commodities are notoriously volatile asset classes, with a long history that is prone to a short squeeze and the current landscape points to more of the same.

Brian Luke

S&P Dow Jones Indices

Without more investment in new capacities, supply will be constrained, HSBC’s Bloxham said, adding that “for any given amount of demand,” it should be expected that commodity prices will stay more elevated than in the past.

“That seems to be playing out across many of the commodities at the moment.”

Technology could also be a gamechanger if a development came along and made it much easier to extract the metals used in the battery space, Bloxham added.

Iron ore site in Australia.

Ian Waldie | Bloomberg via Getty Images

He did not say how long it will take global commodity markets to move out of the squeeze, but one way out of it — which would also push commodity prices lower — is a “bigger and deeper [economic] downturn globally,” he said.

“Commodities are notoriously volatile asset classes, with a long history that is prone to a short squeeze and the current landscape points to more of the same,” said Brian Luke, senior director and head of commodities at S&P Dow Jones Indices. He highlighted that extreme weather events and geopolitics have also impacted the agricultural and energy commodity baskets.

Metals most impacted

Analysts say metals will likely see the most upside.

Bloxham noted that aside from clean energy metals, iron ore was also on his list due to falling inventory and a lack of investments into expanding capacity. 

Iron ore has seen a price jump of over 24% in the last year, according to data from FactSet. The benchmark 62%-grade iron ore last traded at $135.48 per ton.

“The reason why [iron ore] has a sudden squeeze-up is because inventory has been very low,” said Bank of America Securities’ head of Asia -Pacific basic materials, Matty Zhao.

She noted that in spite of China’s property crisis, steel production has continued, fueling demand for iron ore and coking coal, which are integral to steelmaking.

China, which makes around 55% of the world’s steel, produced 874.7 million tons of steel in the first 10 months of 2023 — up 1.4% across the same period in 2022.

What squeeze?

While risks remain, one analyst is of the view that commodity markets are still “adequately supplied” for the most part.

“The commodity markets are currently focused on slumping demand due to the sluggish global economy. As such, there’s not too much concern about supplies,” said Arlan Suderman, chief commodities economist at financial services firm StoneX.

Oil, for one, saw an increase in global oil inventories in 2023.

Some are still hoping that a rebound in Chinese demand will help.

“A resurgence from Asia will go a long way in determining if commodities will have a breakout year,” said S&P’s Luke, adding that 2023 saw a year of unfulfilled demand from China which weighed heavily on commodity markets. 

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Siemens slashes its worldwide EV charging workforce by 35%

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March 18, 2025

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Siemens slashes its worldwide EV charging workforce by 35%

Siemens EV charging
Photo: Siemens

Siemens announced today that it’s cutting around 6,000 jobs worldwide, and 450 of them will be in its EV charging business.

The German tech giant is laying off 450 employees in the EV charging business at Smart Infrastructure, with 250 of those layoffs taking place in Germany. Siemens announced the coming redundancies in September 2024. The cuts in the EV charging business, which employs more than 1,300 people, will be completed by the end of fiscal 2025.

The company is also laying off 5,600 employees in its factory automation business at Digital Industries, citing muted demand in key markets China and Germany.

Siemens cites the reasons for the EV charging business cuts as “strong price pressures and limited growth potential for low-power [Level 2] charging stations.” It says it will instead focus on DC fast-charging infrastructure depots and fleets and for “en route charging.”

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In April 2023, Siemens opened a factory outside of Dallas that manufactures commercial Level 2 chargers.

Going forward, the company says it intends to take a more regional approach to markets with different charging standards to be more efficient.

If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*

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Hyundai will give you a free ChargePoint home EV charger if you buy or lease these EVs

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March 18, 2025

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Hyundai will give you a free ChargePoint home EV charger if you buy or lease these EVs

Hyundai-free-charger-EVs

Buy or lease a new Hyundai EV, and you can get a free home charger or a $400 charging credit. Hyundai is offering a free ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 EV charger with the purchase or lease of select EVs, including the new 2025 IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6. Here’s how you can get yours.

Earlier this year, Hyundai extended the offer, initially introduced in 2023, to include the upgraded 2025 IONIQ 5.

The only issue was that it was only for the new IONIQ 5. Hyundai expanded the promo this week to include 2025 and 2024 model year IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6s.

Starting now, if you purchase or lease any of the EVs listed above, Hyundai will give you a free ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger. If you already have a home charger, you can opt for a $400 public charging credit.

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Like you charge your phone, Hyundai is making it just as easy for you to wake up with a fully charged vehicle every morning. After the purchase or lease date, you’ll have 60 days to select the home charger or public credit.

Hyundai-free-charger-EVs-IONIQ-5
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited (Source: Hyundai)

The charger will be provided through the Hyundai Home Marketplace. After creating a profile (which you can do here), you will find a “Find Offer” button at the bottom of the page.

Once selected, it will give you instructions for installation. You can expect an email from Hyundai Home Electrum within about five business days with a coupon code.

Hyundai-2025-IONIQ-5-interior
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited interior (Source: Hyundai)

You will also have access to Hyundai’s Home Energy Advisors, which can help guide you through the installation process.

If you choose the $400 public charging credit, you can use it directly through ChargePoint’s mobile app, where you can find charging stations and more.

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Trim EV Powertrain Driving Range (miles) Starting Price* 
IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range 168-horsepower rear motor 245 $42,500
IONIQ 5 SE RWD 225-horsepower rear motor 318 $46,550
IONIQ 5 SEL RWD 225-horsepower rear motor 318 $49,500
IONIQ 5 Limited RWD 225-horsepower rear motor 318 $54,200
IONIQ 5 SE Dual Motor AWD 320-horsepower dual motor 290 $50,050
IONIQ 5 SEL Dual Motor AWD 320-horsepower dual motor 290 $53,000
IONIQ 5 XRT Dual Motor  AWD 320 horsepower dual motor 259 $55,400
IONIQ 5 Limited Dual Motor AWD 320-horsepower dual motor 269 $58,100
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 prices and range by trim (*includes $1,475 destination fee)

The upgraded 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 now has up to 318 miles driving range, a new style inside and out, and it even has a NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers. It starts at $42,500, with monthly leases as low as $199.

Thinking about trying out Hyundai’s new EVs for yourself? We’ve got you covered. You can use our links below to find deals on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 at a dealer near you.

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Jackery flash sale takes $2,500 off select units with extra savings + gift, Heybike Mars 2.0 hits $899 low, Autel EV charger, EGO, more

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March 18, 2025

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Jackery flash sale takes ,500 off select units with extra savings + gift, Heybike Mars 2.0 hits 9 low, Autel EV charger, EGO, more

Today’s Green Deals are headlined by Jackery’s Sustainable Power Flash Sale that is only running for a few days with up to $2,500 being taken off its power stations – there’s even some hangover St. Paddy’s Day extra savings and a free gift offer on select purchases. In a rare occurence directly from Jackery, we spotted the brand’s popular Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station dropping to $90, among other notable offers. Heybike has also switched to its Limited Spring Sale, with some short-term discounted bundle sale offers being led by the Mars 2.0 Fat Tire e-bike that is back down at its $899 low for the next few days. We also have Autel’s MaxiCharger AC Lite Home Level 2 EV Charger down at a limited-supply $455 Amazon low, as well as EGO’s Nexus Escape 400W Inverter Kit that helps you get more usage out of your batteries, returning to its $249 low. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Anker SOLIX Spring Sale offers, Tenways’ $895 in e-bike savings, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Jackery’s Explorer 100 Plus 99Wh power station hits $90 in flash sale + bonus savings and free gear on other units

Jackery is having a Sustainable Power Flash Sale through March 19 with up to $2,500 in discounts on a selection of power stations and solar generators for your spring adventures, with some bonus St. Paddy’s Day savings on the brand’s Explorer 5000 series of offers. Among what we’re seeing, we spied the popular Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station down at $89.99 shipped. Usually going for $149 most of the time, since Black Friday we’ve been seeing more frequent falls to its $89 low, normally as individual Amazon deals over any inclusion in these direct sales. Today’s deal is a 39% markdown that saves you $59 off the going rate, giving you the chance to grab it here at the second-lowest price we have tracked – only $1 above the lowest rate. For once, it’s even beating out Amazon, where it’s only discounted to $109 right now.

***Note: While there are no extra sitewide savings during Jackery’s Sustainable Power Flash Sale, we are seeing Jackery offer up St. Paddy’s Day extra savings through March 19 when you purchase any of its modular Explorer 5000 series units. You’ll score 15% off either the Explorer 5000 power station or its bundle options by using the code GREEN15 at checkout, as well as getting a FREE Explorer 100 Plus that will be automatically added to your cart.

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Jackery’s palm-sized, two-pound Explorer 100 Plus power station is the brand’s compact, airline-approved backup solution that beats out most popular sizes of power banks on top of offering solar charging capabilities. It provides you with a 99Wh (31,000mAh) LiFePO4 capacity with up to 128W of output through its dual USB-C and single USB-A ports. By plugging it into a wall outlet, you’ll regain 70% of the battery in about an hour, with a full battery taking a bit longer at up to two hours. As I mentioned, there are solar charging capabilities here, with a maximum 100W solar input giving you a full charge in around two hours – plus, you could also connect it to your car’s auxiliary port to regain a full charge in three hours time.

Jackery’s Sustainable Power Sale home and outdoor deals:

Jackery’s Sustainable Power Sale accessory deals:

You can check out the full lineup of deals for Jackery’s Sustainable Power Flash Sale on the landing page here.

Heybike Mars 2.0 Fat Tire e-bike

Heybike’s Mars 2.0 folding fat tire e-bike with free gear returns to $899 low in limited spring savings

Following in the footsteps of its previous flash sales, Heybike is offering a Limited Spring Sale on a selection of e-bikes, with the next few days giving folks another chance to score the Mars 2.0 Folding Fat Tire e-bike at $899 shipped through March 21. Coming down off its $1,499 price tag, we see this model prominently featured in most of the brand’s sales, often dropping to either $1,099 or lower to $999, though occasionally we do see it go lower to $899, like today. You’ll be benefitting from a $600 markdown, returning it to the all-time lowest price we have tracked just in time to secure it for your upcoming spring adventures. You’ll even get a free large cargo basket with your purchase. Head below for more details and to check out the other models benefitting from the savings.

While it doesn’t sport any fancy bells and whistles like higher-end models on the market, Heybike’s Mars 2.0 gives you some solid performance and features for such a budget-friendly price – especially this low. It arrives ready to support you through your commute with a removable 600Wh battery for up to 45 miles on a single charge with its five PAS levels, providing you with top speeds of 28 MPH. That’s with the standard’s 750W motor, which you can upgrade to a 1,000W model for $200 more, bumping your maximum speed up to 32 MPH while also providing more power for inclines, increased load capacity, and more.

Its folding frame will certainly be a blessing to folks with limited storage space, and you won’t have to worry about being caught with a flat on the two 4-inch puncture-resistant fat tires (each with fenders). There’s also the Shimano 7-speed derailleur, integrated cargo rack, an LED headlight and taillight, and LED display – plus, if you upgrade to the 1,000W motor, you’ll also have the brakes upgraded to hydraulic disc brakes to ensure stopping power at those higher speeds.

Heybike’s Limited Spring Sale offers:

  • Ranger S Folding Fat Tire e-bike: $1,099 (Reg. $1,499)
    • 28 MPH for up to 55 miles
    • Can upgrade to 1,000W motor for $200 more
    • Comes with free front basket and large basket
  • Cityrun Urban Commuter e-bike: $1,099 (Reg. $1,599)
    • 21 MPH for up to 55 miles
    • Comes with free front basket and large basket
  • Horizon Full-Suspension e-bike: $1,399 (Reg. $1,999)
    • 28 MPH for 55 miles
    • Comes with free front basket and large basket
  • Brawn Off-Road e-bike: $1,499 (Reg. $1,799)
    • 28 MPH for 65 miles
    • Comes with free large basket
  • ALPHA Mid-Drive All-Terrain e-bike (new model): $1,599 (Reg. $1,699)
    • 28 MPH for up to 60 miles
Autel MaxiCharger AC Lite EV charger

Autel’s MaxiCharger AC Lite level 2 EV charger gets limited-supply discount to $455 Amazon low

Amazon is offering a Lightning Deal on the Autel MaxiCharger AC Lite Home Level 2 EV Charger for $455.20 shipped while supplies last. Coming down off its usual $569 MSRP, we’ve been seeing frequent Lightning savings like today over the last year, along with some longer-lasting discounts too, often dropping costs to the same rate. Taking advantage of the limited savings here nets you $114 to go back in your pocket while you score it at the lowest price we have tracked on Amazon. At the time of writing this, 6% of the available units have been claimed. Head below for more.

Autel’s 240V MaxiCharger AC Lite arrives as an affordable alternative for non-Tesla drivers, compatible with any EV that takes a J1772 connector. It provides you up to 50A charging speeds once installed, averaging at around 37 miles for every hour your EV is hooked up (and assuming you’re setting it to the maximum output), with smart controls for monitoring and setting adjustments available through your smartphone. Built to stand against year-round elements, it sports a 25-foot cable that will continue to function in as low as -40 degrees, with Autel rating it to withstand “snow, rain, hail, and sleet.”

EGO Power+ Nexus Escape 400W Inverter Kit

Get more use out of your EGO batteries with the Nexus Escape 400W 3-Port Inverter Kit at a $249 low

Amazon is offering the third-ever savings hitting the EGO Power+ Nexus Escape 400W Inverter Kit with a 4.0Ah battery and a charger for $249 shipped, after clipping the on-page $50 off coupon. Normally this model carries a $300 price tag, which we saw the previous discount bring down only by $1 back in January. At the end of February we saw this same additional $50 off discount pop up, disappearing for a short time before being brought back today. You’re looking at a $51 markdown here, which returns costs to the all-time lowest we’ve seen.

Perfect for anyone who has collected a solid arsenal of EGO tools, this Nexus Escape inverter provides you with the means to get more out of your acquired batteries – beyond simply powering the brand’s equipment. Not only can you use the included 100W charger to refill your 56V EGO brand ARC batteries by connecting it to the inverter, but you’ll also be able to power up to three devices simultaneously through the two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. It delivers up to 400W of continuous power normally, peaking at 800W for anything needing the boost. You’ll even be getting a 4.0AH battery along with this kit, in case you’re just starting your investments into one of the top electric tool brands on the market.

We’ve got quite of few deals on EGO’s lineup of tools at the moment, like the 56V 21-inch Cordless Self-Propelled model that comes with two 6.0Ah batteries for a 100-minute runtime still sitting at its new $700 low, or there are also the brand’s T6 riding tractor or Z6 zero-turn riding mowers that are down at their lowest rates – up to $1,500 off and starting from $3,499.

Best New Year EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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